THE results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations under ten education boards were published on Tuesday showing a success rate of 70.89 percent, which marks a fall by 1.29 percent from that of last year. 10,58,674 students appeared at this year's examinations out of whom 7,50,538 came out successful. Madrasah Board produced the best results with an 85.85 percent success rate. 2,726 institutions all over the country achieved 100 percent success while no student from 72 institutions could pass the examinations.

Some 2,794 colleges all over the country have a seat capacity for some 4,63,000 students. It appears that a large number of students are likely to be deprived from admission for higher secondary courses this year for shortage of seats. This calls for a fresh thinking about the education system as a whole. Secondary level education should be such that a pass out would have basic knowledge on all subjects relevant to life and jobs available in the country. Higher education does not suit all learners. Those who intend to take up specialised profession like teaching, engineering, medicine or research need to pursue higher studies beyond the secondary and higher secondary levels. Education up to secondary level should therefore be made more life and job-oriented. It should be made complete and uniform with the existing group divisions abolished. Most of the students can take up technical and vocational courses after completing education at this level. About ten lakh students sit for SSC examination regularly. If adequately qualified, they can be more useful for their families and the nation. This will also help ease admission crisis at the colleges.